by Elli Hall

Created on: January 14, 2010   Last Updated: January 15, 2010

Toothaches, whether extreme or minor, can put a real ache damper on one’s spirit.  A toothache is usually the most noticeable symptom of tooth decay, cavities, or chipped teeth.  If a toothache is not taken care of right away, it can eventually lead to advanced tooth decay, especially if the pain is from a cavity.  There are a few herbal remedies that can be taken to relieve both pain and bacteria.  The bacteria is what causes most of the infection and pain in the tooth.

There are four herbs that are most commonly used for toothaches.  The herbs are clove, thyme, willow bark and wintergreen mint. 

Clove can be taken in an oil form, but it should not be ingested. To avoid ingesting clove oil, take a cotton swab and rub the oil on the tooth.  Be careful to not get any oil on the surrounding skin such as on the lips, because clove oil will burn the skin.  By rubbing the oil around the tooth that aches, the clove oil will numb the gums relieving any pain. 

Thyme can also be applied in an oil form.  It can probably be applied in the same manner as clove oil, but use as directed by the label.  Thyme works as a natural antiseptic that reduces the amount of bacteria in the mouth or around the tooth. 

On the other hand, willow bark is easily ingested through capsule form.  The capsules should be taken three times a day in twenty to forty milligram increments.  Willow bark will only relieve pain.  It acts similarly to aspirin with possible stomach upset that often comes with aspirin. 

Lastly, wintergreen mint can be used as a mouthwash.  It works as a pain reliever.

One of the most common home remedies for toothaches, as well as other infections of the mouth, is to gargle lukewarm salt water.  Mix ¼ teaspoon of salt per one cup of water.

High amounts of acidity in the body’s PH level can lead to toothaches.  The acidity can wear down tooth enamel.  To avoid this problem, eat higher amounts of fruits and vegetables which balance the PH level in the saliva.

Carbonated soft drinks and chewable vitamin C tablets tend to erode away tooth enamel.  These both should be avoided if a toothache starts to occur.

Smoking and tobacco chewing are highly frowned upon in the prevention toothaches.

Foods that are high in sugar and cling to the teeth should be avoided.  This is because cavities are easier to form.

Most importantly, proper dental care should be used to avoid toothaches and tooth decay.  Not only does this include daily brushing and flossing, but periodical dental checkups.  Teeth should be brushed at least twice a day –though it is most preferable to brush immediately after a meal.  Flossing should also be performed daily.  This helps get rid of any plaque or leftover food that cannot be reached by brushing.  Although most people, in general, receive dental checkups once or less a year, it is recommended by dental hygienists to try to receive dental care at least every six months.

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